JLPT N1 Grammar
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In the middle of; despite
Category: Contrast and Comparison
The grammar pattern 'V・Adj・Noun + ところを' is used to describe a state or action that is interrupted or affected by another event. It is often used in formal apologies or gratitude to acknowledge someone's inconvenience. This pattern emphasizes the contrast between the expected and actual situation. For example, 'despite being busy' (お忙しいところを) is used to express gratitude for someone's help despite their busy schedule.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V・Adj・Noun | V・Adj・Noun + ところを | お忙しいところを |
| V・Adj・Noun | V・Adj・Noun + ところを | 犯人は海外へ逃亡しようとしているところを |
| V・Adj・Noun | V・Adj・Noun + ところを | もう少しで車に跳ねられるところを |
お忙しいところをお時間をいただき、誠にありがとうございます。
O isogashii tokoro o o jikan o itadaki, makoto ni arigatou gozaimasu.
Thank you very much for taking the time despite being busy.
お忙しいところを (despite being busy) + お時間をいただき (taking the time) + 誠にありがとうございます (thank you very much)
犯人は海外へ逃亡しようとしているところを、空港で捜査員に取り押さえられた。
Han'nin wa kaigai e tōbō shite imasu toki ni, kūkō de tōsa-in ni torikomareta.
The criminal was caught by the investigators at the airport despite trying to escape abroad.
犯人は海外へ逃亡しようとしているところを (despite trying to escape abroad) + 空港で捜査員に取り押さえられた (caught by the investigators at the airport)
もう少しで車に跳ねられるところを、間一髪で助かった。
Mō sukoshi de kuruma ni bōnaru tokoro o, aida ichi patsu de tasukatta.
I was almost hit by a car, but I was just in time to avoid it.
もう少しで車に跳ねられるところを (almost hit by a car) + 間一髪で助かった (just in time to avoid it)
This pattern is used to describe a state or action that is interrupted or affected by another event. It is often used in formal apologies or gratitude to acknowledge someone's inconvenience. The pattern can be used in both formal and informal writing, but it is more commonly used in formal situations.
'Tokoro ni' is used to indicate a simple point in time, whereas 'tokoro o' is used to indicate a state or action that is interrupted or affected by another event.
The past tense is used to describe a completed action, whereas the present tense is used to describe a continuous state.
'Tokoro de' is used to indicate a condition or circumstance, whereas 'tokoro o' is used to indicate a state or action that is interrupted or affected by another event.
Pay attention to the context and the meaning of the sentence. Make sure to use the correct form of the verb and the correct particle to indicate the state or action that is interrupted or affected by another event.
お忙しい______お時間をいただき、誠にありがとうございます。
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